In what should have been a continued period of national celebration, India was jolted by tragedy on 10th November when a deadly blast near the Red Fort metro station in Delhi shattered the capital’s normalcy.
The explosion, which officials confirmed killed at least 13 people and injured 21, came just days after the Indian women’s cricket team lifted their maiden World Cup title — a moment that had united the entire nation in joy and pride.
According to investigators, the blast originated from a Hyundai i20 near one of the gates of the Lal Qila Metro Station on November 10 evening. CCTV analysis tracked the vehicle’s movement from the Daryaganj area toward the Sunehri Masjid parking lot by the Red Fort.
The car, carrying a Haryana registration number, had reportedly changed owners several times in recent weeks, prompting the government to hand the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for a deeper probe.
In the aftermath, the Red Fort has been closed to visitors for three days, and the Lal Qila Metro Station has been temporarily shut down for security reasons. The heartbreaking incident unfolded barely a week after India’s historic triumph in women’s cricket, making the contrast even more painful.
Just eight days earlier, Shafali Verma had produced a match-defining performance in the World Cup final, smashing 87 runs and taking 2 crucial wickets, earning her the Player of the Match award.
In the wake of the Delhi tragedy, she took to Instagram to express her solidarity with the victims: “Prayers for Delhi and everyone affected. Stay strong 🙏🏻”
Her teammate Deepti Sharma, who dominated the tournament with 215 runs and 22 wickets, including a brilliant 58 and a five-wicket haul in the final to win the Player of the Tournament honour, also shared her support for those affected.
She wrote, “🕊️ Prayers for Delhi. Thinking of everyone affected – stay strong, stay safe. 💔 #PrayForDelhi”
As the investigation continues and families cope with unimaginable loss, India once again shows that its greatest strength lies not only in victories on the field but in unity, compassion, and resilience off it.
Loves all things female cricket